Repairing your roof or having a new roof installed on your home is an incredibly important job. As a homeowner, you want to make sure that you get high quality and precision-cut roofing materials and hire the right people for your roofing project. Here are a few things to consider when planning your roofing project.
Choosing Materials for Your Roofing Project
When choosing the roofing material for your home, consult with an expert who will help you compare options and features to select the one that best fits your needs.
Your roof protects your home and your family, but it is also the crowning glory of your home. This is why it is important to invest in only high-quality, attractive materials installed by an expert roofer. You can choose from many options, styles and colors. When choosing a roofing material, consider your home’s style, the length of time you’ll be in your home, your neighborhood, warranties, and home value.
With the large inventory of roofing material available on the market today, you will be able to choose the material and style that can fit your personal preference and budget. You can even choose a shingle style and color that complements the architectural style of your home and neighborhood.
Choosing a Roofing Contractor
The right roofing contractor must be skilled in roofing installation, maintenance, and repair services. Whether you need a quick repair or a complete replacement, you should hire only a trustworthy roofing company. Check reviews to ensure that they have a proven track record of expert work. You should also check for the following:
Insurance
If a roof installer is uninsured and an accident occurs at your residence, you could be liable as the owner of the house. Always find out if the roofer has an insurance certificate to prove they have current general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. You have the right to ask for insurance certificates and you can call the insurance carrier to verify their validity.
Permanence
You want to choose a professional roofing contractor that has a physical address. This is a good sign that they are not a fly-by-night company. Make sure that the professional roofing contractors have an established business and reputation in the community. Choose a roofing contractor that has been in business for a number of years and has a good track record. Your warranty on the installation is only as good as the longevity of the roofing company.
References
Make sure that the professional roofing contractors have an established business and reputation in the community.:
- Ask around: your friends and family, neighbors, and business owners in your area.
- Read the contractor’s online reviews on sites such as Yelp and Angie’s List.
- Go to the Better Business Bureau site to check the contractor’s ratings and any complaints filed against them.
- Check out their website. Be sure it is up-to-date and read their customers’ testimonials. Look for a portfolio or photo gallery of their work. See if they have dealt with your type of roofing problem before.
Warranties
Even if a roofing company can guarantee that the job will be done right the first time, be sure that the company warranties not only the roofing materials, but the installation. This way you can rest assured that the entire project will be covered should a defect or other issue arise in the future. GAF-certified roofers offer you the most warranty choices for your new roof. Additionally, GAF warranties are fully transferable, which can help you to sell your home at a later date.
Pricing
Look for the best value and warranty for the price quoted. In order to get the best value, do not jump to the company with the lowest bid. Many times you end up spending more money to fix problems later. When homeowners do this, they often encounter problems and end up paying for work that could have been covered under a workmanship guarantee from an established GAF-certified roofing company.
Obtaining Estimates
Before making up your mind, interview at least three professional roofers. This helps you match the best company for your job and one that guarantees that your project is done right. Consulting with more than one roofing contractor will also inform you of the different roofing materials available and their advantages. This will help you choose the best material to use, based on the needs of your home.
Ask each of the contractors for a written estimate for your roofing project. This estimate should include:
- Project commencement date
- Estimated time of completion
- Full work description
- Detailed list of all roofing materials including sealant type
- Specific guarantees and work expectations.
Go over the details of each estimate document closely so that you can choose the contractor that best meets your needs and expectations at a price that falls within your budget. Once you have decided, accept the proposal and let the contractor get to work!
For a free roof inspection and written estimate, contact All Weather Tite.